Kabul Plunged into Darkness Due to Blast

A blast hit Kabul on Thursday, causing a power outage but the cause of the blast was not immediately clear.

"Moments ago, an explosion blew up a power pylon in Qala Murad Beg area of Kabul province, cutting off a 220 kV imported power line," the Breshna power company said in a message to customers. "As a result, the electricity transmission was cut off in Kabul and some other provinces."

The power went down at about 6:00 pm (1330 GMT), with Kabul plunged into darkness. The private generators kicked into operation at businesses and wealthier residences.

Notably, Afghanistan is largely reliant on electric power imported from its northern neighbors Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, making the cross-country power lines a prime target for insurgents.

Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) said it had sent engineers to the area, just to the north of the capital city, "and when the situation allows, they will start repairing the connection".